African Skies is an adventurous journey through both straight-ahead swing, Afro-Cuban styles, and funk. In each idiom, Jemal Ramirez’s drumming shines when he is playing the role of supporting player, allowing the other members of his group (Warren Wolf, vibrapone/marimba; Howard Wiley, saxophone; Mike Olmos, trumpet; Matthew Clark, piano; John Shifflet, bass) the opportunity to play over his infectious grooves and deep pocket.